| wiki | search |
Contents |
Problem Summary
In case of story based games, player usually finds it difficult to keep a track of all the information regarding the quests that have been accomplished and those that still need to be accomplished.
Use When
In case of games that involve retaining a lot of information regarding quests. Example: Role playing games.
Solution
In order to make things simpler for the player, the journal should consist of:
- The initial list of quests that need to be accomplished to progress to next level
- The list of quests that already have been accomplished
- The list of quests that still need to be accomplished in order to finish the current level
- The list of tasks/sub quests that need to be done before a particular quest can be finished
- Provision that allows the player to make a note of milestones that are important in terms of being useful for future game play
The journal should be updated at the onset of each level, after each quest has been accomplished, after each task/sub-quest has been accomplished and after the player makes a certain note in the journal
Recommendations
- Include only the milestones that might have an effect on the player’s future game play without including unnecessary information.
- Make the journal accessible from any part of the game.
- Make the journal a part of the game environment. This adds to the immersion aspect.
Rationale
Such a journal will help the player focus on more essential and enjoyable elements of the game, like actual accomplishment of the quests. It avoids unnecessary hassles, frustration posed by the aspect of having to retain lot of information.
Examples
- Neverwinter Nights has a journal that maintains information about quests and also lets users store information
- Dungeon Siege-2 also provides a Journal
- World of Warcraft also has the Journal facility for the player to look up information about his achievements and other quests to be completed
